Is Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra Advocating for Early Social Security for Gig and Construction Workers?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) On Friday, Delhi's Labour Minister Kapil Mishra initiated decisive steps to ensure that workers in the unorganised sector, including gig and platform workers, as well as construction workers, are integrated into the framework of social security, aligning with Central Government mandates.
The Labour Minister convened a high-level review meeting aimed at evaluating the readiness concerning the publication and notification of regulations established under the Code on Social Security, 2020. This code is designed to extend a variety of welfare benefits to these workers, according to an official statement.
The Code on Social Security outlines the formation of Welfare Boards for unorganised and construction workers, along with the creation of welfare schemes tailored for them.
During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister received updates concerning the preparedness for the publication and notification of rules across all four Labour Codes, which include the Code on Social Security, 2020. The meeting was attended by the Labour Commissioner and other key officials from the department.
The Labour Minister emphasized the need for swift and transparent delivery of benefits to unorganised workers, gig and platform workers, as well as construction workers.
Mishra pointed out that the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has streamlined 29 existing labour laws into four comprehensive Labour Codes — the Code on Wages, the Code on Industrial Relations, the Code on Social Security, and the Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, as per the statement.
The overarching goal of these Labour Codes is to safeguard workers' rights, facilitate a more favorable business environment, and expand the coverage of social security.
The Code on Social Security, 2020 now includes provisions for unorganised workers and gig/platform workers to grant them access to various social security benefits.
Furthermore, construction workers who were previously protected under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996, are now also included under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Mishra instructed that the rules pre-published by the Central Government be thoroughly examined, ensuring that Delhi's regulations align with the Central guidelines to maintain consistency nationwide and prevent any inconvenience for workers.
The Labour Minister urged officials to expedite the finalization of all rules to ensure that workers in Delhi can promptly access the maximum advantages available under all four Labour Codes.
He reiterated that the welfare and interests of workers remain the top priority for the Delhi Government, asserting that any delays in this regard would not be tolerated.